Casablanca seeks new model for augmented city development
via Le Matin5 min read
Casablanca, a Moroccan metropolis, is positioning itself as a pioneer in African urban development, ten years after launching its Smart City initiative. The 10th edition of Casablanca Smart City brought together public officials, academics, researchers, entrepreneurs, and international experts to discuss the concept of an "augmented city" driven by artificial intelligence, data, immersive technologies, and digital platforms, while maintaining its identity and human dimension. Awatif Hayar, president of the scientific committee of Smart City Casablanca, emphasized that technology serves as a tool for social inclusion, economic opportunities, public safety, and improved quality of life. She highlighted Casablanca's "Smart Inclusive City" model, which prioritizes citizens' needs over mere technological infrastructure. As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup, Casablanca aims to leverage its economic significance, contributing nearly 30% of the national GDP, to adopt a global vision for an augmented city, moving beyond isolated smart projects. Artificial intelligence is seen as a key element, with discussions around digital twins modeling the metropolis in real-time, optimizing mobility, monitoring the environment, and improving infrastructure management. However, experts like Hassan Redouane, representing the president of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Hicham El Habti, cautioned against an exclusively algorithmic view, stressing the importance of balancing technolo
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The Atlas Lionesses of Morocco are set to compete for their first continental title at home in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations WAFCON. The team has shown consistent progress, reaching two consecutive WAFCON finals and the Round of 16 at the 2023 World Cup. Morocco will open their campaign against Kenya on Sunday at 9 PM at Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, followed by matches against Algeria and Senegal in Group A. Beyond the trophy, the WAFCON also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists earning direct qualification. Coach Jorge Vilda expressed confidence in his team, stating they will fight with commitment and determination to make Moroccans proud. He highlighted the team's development over three seasons, focusing on expanding the national talent pool, strengthening competition, and building a more solid defensive and offensive game. Captain Ghizlane Chebbak echoed the focus on the first match and the team's objective to win the title and qualify for the World Cup. While Morocco is a favorite, Group A is challenging, with Kenya returning after a decade, Algeria having eliminated Cameroon, and Senegal being a consistent quarter-finalist. Morocco's recent 5-0 victory over Cape Verde in a preparation match provides an encouraging sign for their ambitions.
Morocco received close to 9.4 million tourists by the end of June, according to a recent economic report from the DEPF. This increase reflects a rise in arrivals from several markets, including France +9%, Germany +14%, Belgium +9%, Netherlands +10%, Italy +6%, Poland +32%, the United Kingdom +4%, and the United States +9%. The tourism sector began the year with an 8.1% increase in its added value in the first quarter of 2026, following an 8.7% consolidation the previous year. Key indicators suggest a continued favorable trend for the sector's activity in the coming months. Overnight stays in classified accommodation establishments grew by 9% by the end of last May, building on a 12.4% increase a year prior. This growth is attributed to strong performances in destinations such as Marrakech +10%, Agadir +13%, Casablanca +12%, Ouarzazate +24%, Rabat +18%, Tangier +8%, F猫s +7%, Essaouira +6%, Errachidia +8%, and Al Haouz +4%. Travel receipts reached approximately 53.8 billion dirhams, marking a 14.6% improvement compared to the end of May 2025.
Must ReadSANY Heavy Industry, a Chinese construction equipment giant, is increasingly focusing on Morocco as a strategic hub for its African operations. The company, founded in 1989 and now a Fortune Global 500 enterprise, generates over 60% of its revenue from international activities. SANY's factory in Changsha, China, showcases advanced automation and smart manufacturing, reflecting its "T2E" strategy of globalization, digitalization, and decarbonization. This strategy involves significant investment in electric and intelligent equipment, factory automation, and digital platforms like ROOTCLOUD and iSANY, which cover the entire value chain from R&D to financial services and training. SANY's commitment to advanced manufacturing is recognized by the World Economic Forum, which has designated three of its factories, including the Changsha facility, as "Lighthouse Factories" for their Industry 4.0 integration. Morocco holds particular significance for SANY, being the first foreign country to purchase its equipment in 2002. The relationship has since deepened, with SANY viewing Morocco not only as a key market but also as a platform for expanding its activities across Africa, aligning with Morocco's role as an industrial and logistical hub connecting Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Beyond equipment sales, SANY has engaged in humanitarian efforts, providing machinery and engineers for earthquake relief in Al Haouz. The company is also involved in Morocco's industrialization, supplyi